Iran's Plan to Counter Potential Threats from ISIS in Iraq

Ismail Qaani, the deputy commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has announced the implementation of "extensive plans" in Iraq to ensure the security of the Arbaeen ceremonies and to counter potential threats from the ISIS group. The deputy chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces also responded to reports about Iranian air operations against ISIS positions, stating that Iran is making every effort to "eradicate terrorism" from Iraq. According to the Tasnim News Agency, Ismail Qaani reported on December 4 that joint meetings between Iraqi and Iranian officials have been held, adding that security has been ensured for the Arbaeen ceremonies in Iraq. He emphasized, "Very extensive plans are being executed in Iraq to counter potential ISIS threats, and God willing, there will be no problems in this regard." Shiites commemorate the fortieth day of the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali, their third Imam, through the Arbaeen ceremonies. Previously, Ali Jannati, the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, predicted that over 700,000 Iranians would travel to Karbala, Iraq for this year's Arbaeen. This prediction comes amid concerns, as in previous years, several Shiites traveling to the ceremonies were killed in explosions. The rise of the ISIS group in Iraq has heightened fears of similar incidents occurring this year. Reports indicate that last month, the IRGC's Quds Force, along with the Iraqi army and Shiite militias, began several military operations in western Karbala to clear the surrounding areas of ISIS presence. Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, Iran's Minister of Interior, stated on August 25 that President Hassan Rouhani had referred to the "possibility of the fall of the cities of Karbala and Najaf," declaring, "These cities are our red line." In recent days, reports of Iranian air operations against ISIS positions in Iraq and the tracking of an Iranian fighter jet in Iraqi airspace have emerged. Shortly after these reports, the U.S. Department of Defense announced on December 2 that Iran had conducted air operations against ISIS positions in eastern Iraq. Masoud Jazayeri, the deputy chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Iran, stated on December 4 in an interview with Al-Alam network in response to these reports, "The Islamic Republic of Iran, without any expectations and based on Islamic and humanitarian duty, is making every effort to eradicate terrorism from this Islamic and neighboring country." Marzieh Afkham, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, also stated on December 3, without explicitly denying the bombing of ISIS positions in Iraq by Iran, that reports about Iran's cooperation with military forces from other countries in this regard were "incorrect" and "inaccurate." On the same day, John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, described Iran's actions against ISIS in Iraq as a "positive" step, but emphasized that Iran and the U.S. have no joint military plans against ISIS.